Review: Holden RG Colorado utility (2012-20)

Review: Holden RG.I Colorado utility (2012-13)

Overview

Released in June 2012, the Holden RG Series I (RG.I) Colorado utility was available in Space Cab and Crew Cab bodies. Manufactured in Rayong, Thailand, the Colorado utility was powered by a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine and available with rear-wheel and four-wheel drive. Beyond the body types, the Colorado utility was also available in three variants: LX, LT and LTZ.

Duramax (LK5) engine

The 2.8-litre LK5 ‘Duramax’ turbo-diesel engine had common rail injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable exhaust valve timing, electronic throttle control and a compression ratio of 16.0:1. For the RG Colorado, this engine was mated to either five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

Dimensions

Both the RG Colorado Space Cab and Crew Cab were 5347 mm long, 1882 mm wide, 1780 mm tall and had 3096 mm long wheelbases. For the Space Cab, tray dimensions were 1795 mm (length) and 1534 mm (width); for the Crew Cab, the tray was 311 mm shorter at 1484 mm with width unchanged. While the Space Cabs had rearward opening doors and two jump seats, the Crew Cabs had 60/40 split and folding rear seats with under-seat storage compartments.

Suspension and towing

The RG Colorado had double wishbone front suspension (with coil springs) and a live rear axle with leaf springs. For the RG Colorado utility range, maximum braked towing capacity was 3.5 tonnes.

4WD system

The RG Colorado’s four-wheel drive system used an electronically actuated part-time transfer case. As such, the driver could ‘shift on the fly’ via a rotary switch in the centre console between the following drive modes –

• Two-wheel high: rear-wheel drive with high range gears;
• Four-wheel high: permanent four-wheel drive with high range gears; and,
• Four-wheel low: permanent four-wheel drive with a 2.62:1 gear reduction ratio.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the RG Colorado utility included dual front airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , all RG Colorado crew cab utilies were awarded a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.09 out of 37. In the offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver and a slight risk of serious leg injury for both front occupants. In the side impact and pole tests, maximum points were awarded.

However, single cab and space cab models received four star adult occupant protection rating – with a score of 30.48 out of 37 – due to a higher risk of chest injury for the driver in the frontal offset crash test due to the fitment of a single seatbelt pretensioner rather than a dual pretensioner as per the crew cab models.

Features: Colorado LX, LT and LTZ

Standard features for the Colorado LX included 16-inch steel wheels, a six speaker sound system, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), air conditioning, front bucket seats, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, a carpeted floor, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with height adjustment, remote central locking, power windows, power mirrors, two 12 volt power outlets, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Beyond this, the Colorado LT was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels and front fog lights.

The range-topping Colorado LTZ was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels, eight speaker sound system, climate control air conditioning, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, projector headlights, power folding mirrors and soft-tonneau cover. Visually, the LTZ could be identified by its alloy sports bar, side steps, LED tail-lights and chrome exterior highlights (fog lights, door mirrors, door handles, rear bumper and tailgate handle).

2013 Colorado Thunder Pack

In June 2013, the four-wheel drive LX, LT and LTZ Crew Cab models were offered with a Thunder Pack which consisted of a nudge bar, towing package, soft tonneau cover, front carpet floor mats, one-piece rear carpet floor mat, bonnet protector, slimline weather shields and ‘Thunder’ badges.

Brochure

• Brochure: Holden RG Colorado utility and cab chassis (August 2012)

Related links

• Product Information: Holden RG.I Colorado (June 2012)
• Holden Media: Colorado Special Edition Thunders into Holden Dealerships (June 2013)

Review: Holden RG.II Colorado cab chassis (2013-20)

Overview

Released in October 2013, the Holden RG Series II (RG.II) Colorado utility introduced a more powerful 2.8-litre ‘Duramax 2’ turbo-diesel engine, additional safety equipment and Holden’s MyLink connectivity system.

In addition to the more powerful engine, the automatic transmission was recalibrated and included a ‘shift stabilisation’ function for hill ascents or descents that prevented unnecessary gearshifts. For off-road driving, a Descent Control System was also introduced which could maintain the speed of the vehicle on descents without the need for brake inputs from the driver.

With the November 2014 update, the LX variants were renamed LS.

Safety equipment

Compared to its RG.I Predecessor, standard safety equipment for the RG.II Colorado was extended to include front seat-mounted side airbags. New chassis control systems included:

• Trailer Sway Control which would apply the brakes and reduce engine torque in the event of towing instability); and,
• Hill Start Assist which automatically engaged when a gradient was detected to keep the vehicle stationary during the period from brake release to throttle application.

From July 2016, the Holden RG.II Colorado was fitted with a driver’s knee airbag as standard. The RG.II Colorado LTZ and Z71 variants were also fitted with a forward-facing camera for the following safety technologies –

• Forward Collision Alert: monitored the distance to the vehicle ahead and, if it decreased such that there was a collision risk, the driver would receive audible and visual warnings; and,
• Lane Departure Warning: monitored the vehicle’s position within its lane and, if the vehicle was about to cross lane markings without the turn indicator having been applied, the driver would receive audible and visual warnings.

Features

Standard features for the Holden RG.II Colorado were extended to include a seven-inch colour touch screen with Holden’s MyLink connectivity system and rear parking sensors; LTZ variants were also fitted with a reversing camera.

The MyLink system enabled drivers to connect Bluetooth-compatible devices to access applications or stream music. Embedded applications for MyLink included Pandora, Stitcher and TuneIn. Furthermore,

• For compatible iPhones, Siri Eyes Free Mode could be used to play music, compose text messages, read notifications and add reminders; and,
• The BringGo navigation application could be purchased separately to provide 3D maps, turn-by-turn directions, points of interests and emergency contacts.

November 2014 (‘MY15’) update

In November 2014, the Holden RG.II Colorado utility was updated for the ‘2015 model year’. As part of the update, the Colorado LTZ received a new ‘Comfort Suspension’ tune which included revised spring rates, dampers and a stiffer front stabiliser bar. According to Holden, the ‘Comfort Suspension’ improved ride balance and isolation for a more comfortable ride.

The Colorado LTZ interior was upgraded with ‘Jet Black’ soft touch finishes for the centre console and surface fascias, while leather seats and heated front seats were available as extra-cost options.

For the entire RG.II Colorado utility range, changes included:

• Aerodynamic updates and improved door seals to reduce noise and vibration;
• Refinements to the Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA) systems;
• LX variants were renamed LS; and,
• A new Satin Steel Grey paint finish.

July 2016 (‘MY17’) update

Production of the ‘2017 model year’ Holden RG.II Colorado commenced in July 2016 and it was available in Australia from September 2016. The post-July 2016 Holden RG.II Colorado introduced changes in the following areas:

• Body: Holden claimed ‘structural improvements’ provided greater occupant protection in the event of a collision;
• Reduced engine noise: an engine ‘acoustic pack’ consisted of an injector insulator, metal timing cover and an oil-pan insulator, Furthermore, the balance shafts for the engine were re-positioned around 100 mm forward to better offset engine vibrations;
• Reduced vibration: revised engine, transmission and body mounts to reduce vibration, including the introduction of shear mounts (previously compression mounts only). A Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber (CPA) torque converter was also introduced to reduce noise and vibrations in Colorado vehicles that had automatic transmissions;
• Reduced wind noise: revised roof mouldings, exterior door mirror mounts, door seals, sliding glass channels, B-pillar inserts and a thicker windscreen;
• Suspension: digressive front and rear shock absorbers were introduced to improve ride comfort and the thickness of the front stabiliser bar was increased (from 29/31 mm to 34 mm); and,
• Steering: electric power steering was introduced (previously hydraulic) to reduce fuel consumption and a faster steering rack was introduced. As such, the turns for lock-to-lock were reduced from 3.9 to 3.29.

For post-July 2016 Colorado vehicles that had manual transmissions, the final drive ratio was changed from 3.73:1 to 4.10:1 for improved acceleration.

As noted above, safety equipment for the post-July 2016 Holden Colorado was extended to include a driver’s knee airbag and, for the Colorado LTZ and Z71 variants, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning. Beyond this,

• The standard ‘MyLink’ infotainment system introduced Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, voice recognition and a digital radio tuner (DAB+);
• A rear view camera was fitted as standard for the Colorado utility and optional for the Colorado cab chassis (previously Colorado LTZ only); and,
• The Colorado LTZ gained gained an eight-inch touchscreen (previously seven-inch) with satellite navigation, front parking sensors and tyre pressure monitoring.

2015 Holden Colorado LTZ Storm Crew Cab 4×4

In February 2015, Storm editions of the Colorado LTZ Crew Cab 4×4 were released. Compared to the regular LTZ Crew Cab 4×4, the Storm editions added leather seat trim, heated front seats and carpet mats (front and rear). Visually, the Colorado LTZ Storm could be identified by its black nudge bar, black sports bar, ‘Storm’ branded bonnet protector and ‘Storm’ badges.

2015 Holden Colorado Z71

Released in July 2015, the Holden Colorado Z71 was based on the MY16 Colorado LTZ 4×4 Crew Cab. The Colorado Z71 could be identified by its 18-inch ‘Arsenal Grey’ alloy wheels, styled nudge bar, dark chrome mask headlights, black bonnet with ‘Z71’ graphic, gloss black mirror scalps and B-pillars, black door handles and side door mouldings, sail plane with ‘Z71’ graphic, ‘Z71’ tailgate decal, gloss black tailgate handle, black rear step trim, ‘Streamline Soft’ tonneau cover and roof rails. The Colorado Z71 was available in Summit White, Sizzle Red, Black Sapphire, Satin Steel Grey and Orange Rock paint finished.

Inside, standard features for the Colorado Z71 were extended to include leather appointed seats and heated front seats.

2015 Holden Colorado LS-X

The Holden Colorado LS-X 4×4 Crew Cab was released in October 2015. Based on the Colorado LS, the LS-X added 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, a carpeted floor, alloy sports bar and a smoked bonnet protector with ‘Colorado’ branding.

2017 Holden Colorado LTZ Storm

In October 2017, the Holden Colorado LTZ Storm was released. Compared to the Colorado LTZ 4×4 Crew Cab, the Storm editions were further equipped with leather seats, heated front seats, front parking sensors, carpet floor mats and accessory cup holders. Visually, the Colorado LTZ Storm could be identified by its ‘Colorado’ branded bonnet protector, polished nudge bar and ‘Storm’ badges (front and rear). Production of the Holden Colorado LTZ Storm was limited to 500 vehicles.

2018 Holden Colorado LSX Utility

The Holden Colorado LSX 4×4 Crew Cab was released in March 2018. Based on the Colorado LS 4×4 Crew Cab, the Colorado LSX was differentiated by its 18-inch black alloy wheels, black front grille, black fender flares, matte black extended sports bar with ‘Colorado’ branded plate inserts, soft tonneau cover and ‘Colorado’ branded rear decal. Deliveries of the Colorado LSX 4×4 Crew Cab utility were limited to 800 vehicles.

Holden Colorado Z71 XTreme

The Holden Colorado Z71 Xtreme was officially released in Australia in October 2018. Based on the Colorado Z71, the Colorado Z71 XTreme had a Winch Bar with integrated winch (which had a 10,000 lb load capacity and a 30 m synthetic line), a high visibility LED light bar, a towing package, roof tray kit, rear steel step, upgraded front suspension, fender flares, 18-inch Goodyear All Terrain Wrangler 265/60 R18 tyres, vehicle recovery kit and soft tonneau cover. Visually, the Colorado Z71 Xtreme could be identified by the ‘Colorado’ branding on its tailgate, ‘Xtreme’ decal, bonnet bulge, black grille, black extended sports bar and black tubular side steps.

June 2019 (MY20) update

In June 2019, the Holden RG.II Colorado Utility was updated for the 2020 ‘model year’ (‘MY20’). Changes included:

• A new LSX variant that was positioned above the LS;
• A new LTZ+ variant targeted at fleet customers – it was equipped with tow bar as standard and its payload was re-rated to just under 1000 kg so that it was accessible to customers via novated leasing;
• The Colorado LTZ Crew Cab 4×4 was fitted with leather appointed seats and heated front seats;
• The Colorado LTZ and Z71 variants had a ‘DuraGuard’ spray on tub-liner as standard. According to Holden, the DuraGuard surface reduced cargo slippage and produced fewer warranty claims in the US market; and,
• The Colorado Z71 was fitted with fender flares, a bash plate and soft drop tailgate.

As part of the June 2019 update, Holden introduced a series of accessory packs – Tradie, Farmer, Black, Rig and Xtreme – for buyers to better customise their vehicle.

Accessories

Extra-cost accessories for the Holden RG.II Colorado included an alloy SuperBar, steel bulbar, black nudge and sports bars. Manufactured from structural grade alloy, the Alloy SuperBar was certified by ANCAP to maintain the Colorado Crew Cab’s five star safety rating.

Brochure

• Brochure: Holden RG.II Colorado (March 2014)
• Brochure: Holden RG.II Colorado (June 2015)
• Brochure: Holden RG.II Colorado (December 2017)

Related links

• Specifications: Holden RG.II Colorado (October 2013)
• Holden Media: Holden’s MY14 Colorado Range Raises the Bar (October 2013)
• Holden Media: Product Information – MY2014 Holden Colorado (October 2013)
• Behind the Wheel: 2017 Holden Colorado LS 4X4 Review
• Holden.com.au: Holden Colorado
• Wikipedia.org: Isuzu D-Max (second generation)